How to Dress a Large Bust

How can you dress a large bust so it stops becoming the focal point of every outfit?

It’s one thing if you want “the girls” to be center stage, but it can be very frustrating if you don’t.  If you’ve ever had a conversation with someone who stared at your chest instead of your face the entire time, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

So how do you shift the focus?

With a little sleight of hand.

Start with:

The Right Size Bra

Your bustline should hit midway between your shoulders and elbows. Your bra should encase all of your breast tissue, with nothing overflowing above, below, or sideways. The band should lay smooth against your ribs and back with no unsightly bulges. The shoulder straps should stay in place without slipping off your shoulders or requiring constant readjustment.

If that doesn’t sound like your bra, it’s time for a new one. You can get fitted at Victoria’s Secret or any number of upscale lingerie boutiques or department stores. Just call ahead to see if they have a bra fitter and make an appointment if necessary.

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Just My Size

Need an extra-large cup size, like G, H, or N?

Check out online specialty retailers like:

• Chantelle
• Curvy Kate
• Freya
• HerRoom
• Just My Size
• Lane Bryant
• Panache
• Parfait
• Royce
• Sculptresse
• Wacoal Bras
• Wizard of Bras

Yes, you may pay a little more, but the comfort, fit, and confidence that goes with it is well worth the money.

Once you have a properly fitting bra, opt for:

Do Wear

Dark Colored Tops

Light colors make things look bigger. Dark colors make things look smaller. So if you want to make your bust look smaller, try dark colored tops, like black, brown, navy, burgundy, and forest green.

Macys

A Diagonal Line

A diagonal line across the chest minimizes the bust and makes the waist look smaller. Diane von Furstenberg built her empire on a diagonal line – the wrap dress – because it’s flattering to so many figures.  Try it yourself and see.

StyleWe

Kiyonna

Modest U-Shaped Neckline

A modest U-shaped neckline will visually elongate you neck and put the emphasis on your face so long as you don’t show any cleavage. Add a beautiful necklace or to-die-for earrings and the focus will be strictly from the neck up.

Nordstrom

Wide Straps

If you like to wear tops with straps, keep them an inch or so wide instead of spaghetti-skinny. Not only will a wide strap hide your bra straps, it will also offer visual balance to you bustline. Spaghetti straps won’t – they’re too small to support the load and will make your breasts look bigger.

Dress Barn

So what should you avoid?

Don’t Wear

Tops With Bustline Details

Large prints, breast pockets, ruffles at the bustline – they all call attention to your breasts and make them look bigger. Avoid when possible.

StyleWe

Turtlenecks

When you cover up your neck, attention goes straight to your bust because it’s the only thing protruding on your torso. Don’t want that kind of attention? Don’t wear turtlenecks.

StyleWe

Deep V-Necks

A deep v-neck draws eyes to the spot between your breasts – and will often keep them there until you walk away. Avoid them in business situations if you want to be taken seriously.

Kiyonna

Button Shirts With No Darts

A shapeless button shirt will hang off your breasts, hide your waist, and visually add pounds. If you have a nice figure, try button shirts with darts instead.

StyleWe

Matronly, No Shape Styles

Shapeless tops and dresses that fit your bust and hide the rest of you will make you look heavier than you are. They’ll also make you look matronly, as in old and out of shape. If you’re not or don’t want to look like it, don’t wear these unflattering styles.

Uoozee

Your goal is to visually minimize your bustline and balance the rest of your figure.

If you have a small waist, don’t hide it beneath a shapeless top – show it off.

Have a bit of a tummy in addition to a big bust? Opt for vertical lines to draw the eye up and down.

Don’t focus your energy on just hiding what you don’t like; focus on camouflaging the trouble spots while calling attention to the things you like.

So what’s the bottom line?

Having large breasts shouldn’t deter you from dressing well or professionally. If you start with a good bra and follow the guidelines suggested here, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Need more help?

Try:

Wardrobe Magic and Plus Size Style.

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Diana Pemberton is an image consultant and author of Wardrobe Magic. Ready to find the clothing styles that suit you best and build a wardrobe of your best looks? Wardrobe Magic can show you how.